Does Animal Control Kill Animals?

When an animal is picked up by animal control, whether a stray dog or an injured cat, it’s natural to wonder what happens next. Where do they take the animal? And could calling animal control lead to an animal’s death? These are valid concerns. Some animals who are picked up by animal control may be euthanized due to severe illness, injury, aggression, or lack of space. But this is not the default outcome — and definitely not the goal. And in many areas, it’s relatively uncommon. 

Across the country, many animal control agencies and shelters work hard to reduce euthanasia rates through rehabilitation programs, partnerships with rescue organizations, and efforts to increase foster placements and adoptions. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what animal control does, when and why euthanasia may occur, and how the system is evolving to save more lives.

Related article

What Does Animal Control Do?

Although they get a bad rap, animal control can be a very valuable community resource.

What is animal control? 

Animal control is a government-operated service dedicated to the safety and management of domestic animals — primarily dogs and cats, but sometimes pets such as rabbits or turtles. They generally don’t handle wildlife issues involving animals like raccoons, opossums, coyotes, or skunks. In such situations, it’s best to reach out to local wildlife services.

Animal control can help in a variety of situations involving domestic animals. Here are some possible reasons to call animal control.

• Stray animals: Report domestic animals who appear to be sick, injured, lost, neglected, or deceased.

• Aggressive behavior: If an animal attacks a person or another animal, it’s important to report the incident so it can be addressed safely.

• Rabies concerns: Domestic animals who act erratically or show possible signs of rabies should be removed from the area for public safety.

• Abuse or neglect: Concerns about cruelty or neglect can be investigated by animal control to help protect an animal’s welfare.

Animal control typically takes the animals they pick up to a shelter or designated holding facility. 

Does animal control kill dogs and cats?

The honest answer is sometimes yes — animal control agencies may euthanize animals. This often comes down to the animal’s health and behavior, and if nearby shelters have space to take them in.

Euthanasia rates can vary widely across the U.S. In some regions, especially the South, shelters face higher intake numbers and fewer resources. These challenges can increase the risk of euthanasia, even for healthy, adoptable pets.

That said, euthanasia is not the goal — and certainly not standard practice — for shelters, no matter where they’re located. In most cases, it’s a last resort used only when absolutely necessary. What’s more, the numbers have improved dramatically over time. In 1973, Humane World for Animals (formerly known as Humane Society of the United States) estimated that around 13.5 million shelter animals were euthanized. By 2024, that number had dropped to about 607,000.

Animal control agencies across the country have been working hard to bring down those numbers. Low-cost spay-neuter clinics, expanded foster networks, rescue partnerships, improved shelter practices, and growing public support for adoption and rescue all contribute to a reduction in euthanasia. They also provide more animals with the second chances they deserve.

Reasons animal control may euthanize a pet

Although animal control agencies and shelters do their best to create positive outcomes for each animal they take in, there are situations where euthanasia may be deemed necessary. These decisions are never made lightly and typically follow a required holding period of three to seven days, depending on local laws. This holding period gives pet parents time to reclaim lost animals. 

Below are the main reasons a pet may be euthanized.

Severe medical issues

If a pet has a serious illness or injury that can’t be treated or managed — or the shelter doesn’t have the resources to provide proper care — humane euthanasia may be considered to prevent further suffering.

Aggressive or dangerous behavior

Pets who have injured a person or displayed repeated, unprovoked aggression may be considered a public safety risk. In many jurisdictions, a dog who has seriously injured someone, particularly through a bite, may be legally classified as “dangerous or vicious,” which can lead to mandated euthanasia.

Severe overcrowding

Unfortunately, euthanasia may occur due to a lack of space and resources at a shelter. This is more common in underfunded, high-intake shelters with open admission. 

Open admission means that the shelter accepts every animal brought to its doors, regardless of age, health, temperament, or space limitations. While this approach aims to help more animals in need, it puts greater pressure on the shelter’s capacity and resources, sometimes leading to difficult decisions such as euthanasia.

Severe behavioral issues

Animals with severe behavioral challenges that make them unsafe to handle or difficult to adopt out may face euthanasia, especially if the shelter lacks the resources for rehabilitation or is operating at full capacity.

Related article

Can You Rehome a Dog Who Bites?

Yes, you can. But you must commit to transparency and other ethical considerations when rehoming a dog who’s bitten.

Will animal control take my dog for biting?

Animal control may take your dog if they bite someone or another animal, especially if the bite causes serious injury. Laws vary depending on where you live, but in most places, animal control is required to investigate any reported bite. In many cases, your dog will get a mandatory quarantine period (usually around 10 days) to watch for signs of rabies.

Depending on the circumstances, your dog could be labeled as “dangerous or vicious.” This designation may come with strict rules, required training, and in severe cases, lead to court-ordered euthanasia.

However, pet parents have the right to defend their dog in court. You can challenge the “dangerous dog” label, share evidence (like if your dog was provoked or just protecting themselves), and push for options like training or secure confinement instead of euthanasia.

If your dog has bitten someone, it’s important to:

• Cooperate with animal control officers

• Gather all relevant documentation (vet records, vaccination history, incident details)

• Consult an attorney or legal advocate experienced in animal law

Not every bite results in permanent removal or euthanasia, but taking quick, informed action can help you advocate for your pet and potentially avoid the worst-case scenario.

Can I get my pet back from animal control?

If animal control picks up your pet, whether or not you can get them back depends on the situation. If your pet was found roaming around, most shelters have a holding period (usually between three and seven days), giving you a chance to reclaim them.

During this time, the shelter has to hold onto the animal for some time before putting them up for adoption, or in rare cases, considering euthanasia. If you’re trying to reclaim your pet, you’ll usually need to show proof they’re yours (like photos or vet records) and pay any impound or boarding fees.

Still, reclaiming your pet isn’t always guaranteed. This may not be possible for the following reasons.

• You surrendered your pet voluntarily, and the shelter has already adopted out your pet to someone else. 

• There are allegations of neglect or cruelty, in which case animal control may retain custody pending legal action.

• Your pet was involved in a bite or attack and is under quarantine or investigation.

If your pet was taken due to a serious offense, such as a bite, you may still have legal options. Pet parents can often request a hearing or appeal to contest the pet’s removal from their home. 

The key? Act fast. The sooner you contact animal control or the shelter they’re being held at, the better your chances of bringing your pet home safely.

Commonly asked questions

Does animal control kill raccoons?

Depending on local laws and the raccoon’s condition, animal control may relocate or humanely euthanize the animal.

What happens if someone calls animal control on your dog?

Animal control may investigate if someone reports your dog for roaming, barking, or biting. They could issue a warning, citation, or impound your dog, depending on the situation. In many cases, you’ll have a chance to reclaim your pet.

Can I surrender my pet to animal control?

Animal control usually doesn’t pick up pets being surrendered. If you want to surrender your pet, you’ll need to take your pet to the local shelter, which is often part of the same system. Most shelters require an appointment, so call ahead. 

Another option is to list your pet on Rehome by Adopt a Pet. This easy-to-use platform helps you find a new home for your pet without them ever having to enter a shelter.

What happens to pets after animal control picks them up?

Animal control usually takes the animal to a shelter or holding facility, where they’re kept for three to seven days to give owners a chance to reclaim them. After that, they may be adopted, transferred to a rescue, or, if sick, aggressive, or space is limited, humanely euthanized.

Resources 

“Animal Control vs. Wildlife Removal.” Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal, urbanjunglewildliferemoval.com/animal-control-vs-wildlife-removal. 

“Know Your Rights: How to Talk to Local Authorities.” Alley Cat Allies, www.alleycat.org/resources/know-your-rights-how-to-talk-to-animal-control.

“Recognizing the Role of the Animal Control Officer.” National Animal Care & Control Association, www.nacanet.org/recognizing-the-role-of-the-animal-control-officer.